Posadas

2015 to date

Circuit Info

Address: Autódromo Rosamonte, 3300 Posadas, Misiones, Argentina

PH: +54 376 433-1259

Circuit type: Permanent road course

Website:

Circuit History

The Autódromo Rosamonte, formerly known as the Autódromo Ciudad de Posadas, underwent a major transformation in 2006, with a new loop added and the direction reversed. Now sponsored by the Rosamonte yerba mate (a kind of local herbal tea) company, the circuit hosts the hugely popular Turismo Carretera series as well as regional racing.

Located on the outskirts of the city of Posadas in Misiones Province, the circuit was built as a facility for regional racing in 1980. Run in a clockwise direction it was a mixed circuit, with a relatively long straight on which the pits were located and then a twistier return section, including a demanding series of slower-speed corners to complete the lap, which became known as the 'Carousel' section. A shorter club circuit which by-passed half the track completed the venue.

Posadas saw the first signs of change in 1993, when the pits and paddock were re-located to the outside the of the circuit, allowing for much expanded facilities. The changes heralded the arrival of the TC2000 series two years later, the first time national championships had visited the course. The event was the opening race of the 1995 series, witnessed the first victory for Juan María Traverso for Peugeot, while it also hosted the season finale, won by the Ford Escort of Guillermo Ortelli.

TC2000 visited for two more seasons - though only for a single round each year - after which it was dropped from the calendar, much to the disappointment of the Automobile Club de Misiones.

The circuit soldiered on but began making plans to attract the top category of Argentine racing: Turismo Carretera. This would require significant investment and some substantial reconfiguration; generally the TC organisers preferred longer, high speed courses with fast sweeping curves, rather than the more mixed-speed course at Posadas.

It took several years of careful planning, but in 2006 the reconfiguration began. A new loop, essentially comprising two straights joined by a 180 degree corner, was added to the east of the original circuit, while there was a general widening of the whole course and a new link road built to connect the old turns 3 and 6. The completed facility - now run anti-clockwise - comprised of nine turns and measured 4.470 km.

In 2007, the revised circuit hosted its first Turismo Carretera race, the first such event in the north-eastern region. Guillermo Ortelli took that first event for Chevrolet and the circuit has remained on the calendar ever since. A one-of Top Race V6 event in 2007 is the only other significant series visit since the reconfiguration.

In 2011, Turns 4 and 9 were eased, while Turn 6 was reconfigured and widened, with its apex being brought further infield in order to create additional room for a run-off area on the outside. It also meant that the run to Turn 7 could now be made a consistent width. In 2015 further changes were made with the addition of a kart circuit on the infield and the construction of a chicane on the main straight opposite the pits, though this is not used by Turismo Carretera.

Getting There

The Autódromo Rosamonte is located in the San Isidro neighborhood of the city of Posadas in north-eastern Argentina. The nearest aiport is Libertador General José de San Martín Airport, around 14 kms from the city and offering connecting flights to Buenos Aires. For international travellers, this may still be the best option as the nearest airports are both reasonable distances away across the borders in Brazil and Paraguay.

By road, the circuit is a short distance from National Route 12 to the south of city. Turn right off RN12 onto Provincial Route 123 and continue south, over a roundabout and then turn right onto Avenida Juan Manuel Fangio. The circuit will appear on the right as you crest a hill.

As with many parts of Argentina, street signage is non-existent, so you'll need to take GPS or a good map to find your destination!